Mario Tarradell

Third Day put on a moving show. That's not an oxymoron when referring to a rock concert.

The Christian rockers headlined the Music Builds Tour on Thursday night at Superpages.com Center and merged inspirational messages with R&R swagger. The music has such energy and resonance because the band, led by personable and potent singer Mac Powell, is so passionate about its inspiration.

Jason Janik / Special to DMN

Mac Powell of Christian rock band Third Day

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Much of Third Day's 70-minute set focused on material from Revelation , the group's great new CD produced by mainstream rock's Howard Benson. Mr. Powell and his band mates – bassist Tai Anderson, guitarist Mark Lee, drummer David Carr and touring keyboardist Scotty Wilbanks – brought to propulsive life "This Is Who I Am," a killer opening number; the head-swirling "Slow Down"; and a blazing take on "Otherside," featuring touring partner Robert Randolph on a screaming steel guitar.

It's easy to understand why Third Day has maintained a huge following for more than a decade. The band hasn't compromised its belief, has continued to up its artistic game and has never sold-out for the sake of fleeting secular success. Revelation is its hardest-rocking album to date. But it retains the group's signature spirit – in spades.

That's admirable, no matter what your religious belief.

Also worth mentioning: "Tunnel" from 2005's Wherever You Are , the hookiest rocker in Christian music; the country-tinged "I've Always Loved You" from 1999's Time; and a slamming cover of U2's "When Love Comes to Town" with Mr. Randolph and fellow Music Builds acts, Jars of Clay and Switchfoot.

Switchfoot spent way too much time onstage. The sloppy outfit's endless stint was largely rock posturing and hollering from singer Jon Foreman. They should take some pointers from Third Day on how to write songs.